Effectiveness of a tailored communication intervention on colonoscopy uptake for firstdegree relatives of colorectal cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a WeChat tailored communication intervention on colonoscopy uptake and health beliefs in Chinese first-degree relatives (FDRs) of colorectal cancer patients. MethodsThis study employed a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. A total of 188 eligible FDRs were recruited and randomly assigned to the tailored intervention group or control group. Health beliefs were assessed at 1 (T1) and 3 months (T2) postintervention. The colonoscopy uptake was verified by medical records at T2. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression and generalized estimating equation models. ResultsCompared with the participants in the control group, those in the intervention group had a significant improvement in terms of colonoscopy uptake (OR = 2.752, 95% CI: 1.428–5.303, P ​< ​0.01), perceived susceptibility (T1: β ​= ​0.298, 95% CI: ​0.052–0.402, P ​< ​0.05; T2: β ​= ​0.251, 95% CI: ​0.078–0.424, P ​< ​0.001) and cues to action (T1: β ​= ​0.0.264, 95% CI: ​0.138–0.389, P ​< ​0.001; T2: β ​= ​0.327, 95% CI: ​0.195–0.459, P ​< ​0.001) and a significant reduction in perceived barriers (T1: β ​= ​−0.237, 95% CI: ​−0.360−0.115, P ​< ​0.01; T2: β ​= ​−0.196, 95% CI: ​−0.331−0.062, P ​< ​0.01). ConclusionsThis study broadens the application of tailored communication using novel channels in the context of screening in the at-risk Chinese population. The results provide insights on how to improve the intervention by modifying its components and communication channels.